Scranton
Scranton is a city in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is near Wilkes-Barre, and is the seventh most populous city in the state. Today, it is perhaps best known as the setting of the hit TV show "The Office" and the birthplace of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States.
Understand
[edit]The city grew vigorously in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a capital of coal mining and railroads, which were vital to the expanding industry in this part of the country. Prosperity subsided and economic distress followed for decades. Property values have since increased as Scranton is gaining employers and investment. From 2005 to 2013, Scranton entered American popular culture as the setting for the U.S. version of the TV series The Office (though only the opening credits were shot in the city).
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]- 1 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP IATA) (20 minutes south of the city in Avoca). The airport operates daily flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago-O'Hare, Detroit, Newark, and Philadelphia. Rental cars are available from Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Alamo at the terminal.
Scranton is within three hours driving distance from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR IATA) in New Jersey, John F. Kennedy International Airport JFK IATA and LaGuardia Airport (LGA IATA) in New York City, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL IATA) in Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley International Airport ABE IATA in Allentown.
By car
[edit]Scranton is accessible primarily by car (or by coach bus):
- I-84 west from New England.
- I-80 east to I-380 north from New York City; west from Erie, State College, and Pittsburgh.
- I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) north from Allentown and Philadelphia
- I-81 south from Ontario/Quebec and Syracuse; north from Washington DC via Harrisburg
By bus
[edit]Scranton is also served by multiple bus lines. All buses stop at 2 Scranton Transportation Center, located a few blocks from downtown on Lackawanna Ave.
- Martz Trailways[dead link], operates routes to New York City and Philadelphia daily, and to other Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York destinations. Check website for schedules and fares.
- Greyhound Bus Line, has a stop in Scranton and travels to Harrisburg, Binghamton, Allentown, Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond. Check website for schedule and tickets.
By train
[edit]The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority is working with New Jersey Transit to bring a passenger railroad back to Scranton from New York City and its western suburbs.
Get around
[edit]
By bicycle
[edit]The Electric City is a growing biker/commuter city. Gas prices going up help many to decide alternative means of getting to work, restaurants, and shopping. While Scranton does not provide cyclists with bike lanes popular to Philadelphia, New York City, and other big cities, some groups try to bring biker awareness and safety to light. The last Friday of every month, 6PM North Washington side of the courthouse, is where you can find bikers of all sorts gathering to participate in Critical Mass. It is a gathering of cyclists of sorts to participate in a huge group ride. The purpose of Critical Mass is to bring awareness of bicyclists to the public. Some forms Critical Mass have been used to protest certain events, be it political, social, and so on. Careful, you may see the car, but they don't always see you.
By car
[edit]Virtually all transportation throughout the city is by car. North Main Avenue and the North Scranton Expressway travel north to the Providence section and to the shopping centers of Dickson City. Green Ridge Street and the Central Scranton expressway travel east to the large suburb of Dunmore and I-81. Pittston and Cedar Avenues are the main routes through "South Side" to the Minooka section and beyond to the attractions of Montage Mountain. South Main Avenue and Keyser Avenue are likewise the main routes through "West Side".
Scranton Parking operates four daily parking garages in the city. The garages are Casey Garage (corner of Lackawanna Ave. & Adams Ave.), Linden Street Garage (corner of Linden St. & N. Washington St.), Medallion Garage (100 Block of Adams Ave.), and the Electric City Garage (with entrances on Spruce St. & Penn Ave.). Rates are $1.75/1st hour and about $0.75/hr afterwards. They're open daily from 7AM-11PM, with Linden St. open 7AM-2AM on Saturdays.
Private taxicabs such as Posten and McCarthy service the area as well. They are hired by telephone through central dispatch and cannot be hailed on the street as in larger cities.
On foot
[edit]Walking is also safe and practical in "Central City" (or "Central Scranton"/"Downtown Scranton"). This area of two dozen square blocks (approximately bound by Lackawanna Ave. and Jefferson, Vine, and Mifflin Sts.) contains a great deal of what Scranton has to offer tourists, so it may be best to just park at one of many garages for a reasonable day-long fee.
By bus
[edit]County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) also operates public buses throughout all parts of the city and a few Lackawanna County extremities. Rates are $1.25/ride, $11/10 rides (adult), $10/10 rides (student), or $40/31 day unlimited pass. Travel times are a little more than twice what it would take driving the same route. The system typically operates from 7AM-7PM, check the website for exact schedule. COLTS does not operate on Sundays or Holidays.
See
[edit]Scranton is host to many architecturally interesting buildings from the early 1900s, most notably the county courthouse in the middle of Central City. Also downtown:
- The former Lackawanna Train Station & Headquarters, 700 Lackawanna Ave., which has been converted to a Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel (See "Sleep" section for more information about the Radisson Hotel).
- 1 The University of Scranton. The university was founded in 1888, it is a nationally recognized Catholic and Jesuit university. It consists of approximately 5,600 students. The campus extends southeast from Central City throughout the Hill section. The University of Scranton has a beautiful campus; there is plenty of green space, a combination of old and new buildings that have been merged to make up the campus. The University of Scranton offers as many as 56 undergraduate degree programs and 25 graduate programs.
- 2 The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N Washington Ave. It was built as the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral. Over the years it has become a central hub for live performances in the area. The Scranton Cultural Center is a great place to see a concert (either in the building ballroom or in the theatre). The venue can also be rented out for weddings, conferences, and other special events. The Scranton Cultural Center is approximately 180,000 square feet, the building houses 2 theatres, meeting rooms, a chapel, a grand ballroom as well as numerous other rooms and areas.
- 3 Steamtown National Historic Site (Steamtown), Cliff Street west of Lackawanna Avenue (GPS will take you to 150 S Washington Avenue, but there is no public access at that address.), ☏ +1 570 340-5200, toll-free: +1-888-693-9391. The park is open daily 9AM-5PM, and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days. The Steamtown National Historic Site offers tours of a train yard, locomotives, etc. A model train layout and other railroad memorabilia are located at Steamtown. Admission no longer charged as of 2017.
- 4 Electric City Trolley Museum (ECTMA), 300 Cliff St, ☏ +1 570 963-6590. Cliff Street. On the site of the Steamtown National Historic Site. Offers trolley rides 9AM-5PM W-Su through October and on selected weekends afterwards. Check site for specifics. The Electric City Trolley Museum Association is a volunteer non-profit group that supports the activities of the Electric City Trolley Museum in downtown Scranton. The Electric City Trolley museum is closely affiliated with the Steamtown National Historic Site. During baseball season, trolley service is provided to PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders.
- 5 The Houdini Museum, 1433 N Main St, ☏ +1 570 342-5555. Open all weekends throughout the year, including Thanksgiving, Presidents Weekend, Fathers Day Weekend, Mothers Day Weekend, Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend 1-4PM. Reservations required. Open weekends in June and every day in July and August through Labor Day Weekend. A major 2½-3 hour event that includes a rare film, a guided tour, and an hour magic show with many live animals. Featuring nationally known television celebrity magicians Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz.
- 6 Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave, ☏ +1 570 348-4189. The city's largest park; offering two Olympic-sized pools, multiple playgrounds, a waterslide park, walking trails, picnic areas, kid-friendly rides. Nay Aug Park grants residents and visitors a touch of nature amongst the city's landscape, which may be hard to find in downtown Scranton. The Everhart Museum is also in Nay Aug Park. A rock-strewn gorge and waterfalls add to the allure and have been named a National Natural Landmark. In 2007, a pedestrian footbridge was constructed allowing access to the parkland across the Roaring Brook.
- 7 Everhart Museum, 1901 Mulberry St, ☏ +1 570 346-7186. Natural History, Science, and Art Museum on site of Nay Aug Park. Check site for special events. $5/adults, $3 seniors, $2/children, free/ages 5 & under. M Th F noon-4PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. The Everhart Museum is the largest public museum in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is collecting, preserving, and caring for a wide variety of artifacts. The Everhart Museum was founded in 1908 by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart.
- 8 Scranton Iron Furnaces, 159 Cedar Ave, ☏ +1 570 963-3208. Open year-round, 9AM-5PM. Visitors' center open seasonally. Blast furnaces built between 1848 and 1857. The Scranton Iron Furnaces is near the Steamtown National Historic Site. The Iron Furnaces represent the early iron industry in the United States. There are four massive stone blast furnaces that still remain at the historic site and are the sole remnants of a once extensive plant operated by the Lackawanna Iron & Steel Company.
- 9 Lake Scranton. Lake Scranton is owned and operated by Pennsylvania American Water Company for the water supply of Scranton. The trail is accessible to everyone and is popular with joggers and families with strollers.
- 10 William J. Nealon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 235 N Washington Ave, ☏ +1 570 346-7277. The William J. Nealon Court houses the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and a U.S. post office. The building was constructed in 1930-1931 to accommodate the needs to the growing city of Scranton. At the time, the court house was much smaller than it is today. In 1981 the GSA (U.S General Services Administration) purchased the building from the post office. In 1999, additions to the Federal building were begun, including construction of the atrium. In the same year, the building was renamed in honor of the city's historic judge, William J. Nealon.
- Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
Do
[edit]- Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, McDade Park, Keyser Ave, ☏ +1 570 963-MINE (6463). A 1/4-mile walking tour of a defunct coal mine. Large museum of artifacts relating to anthracite mining and people of the region. Gift shop. Open April 1st through November 30th, except Easter and Thanksgiving. Enter the 400-foot deep mine in a winched railcar.
- Montage Mountain Ski Resort, 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, ☏ +1 570 969-7669. Skiing in winter, world-famous musical acts in concert at the Toyota Pavilion in summer, as well as a water park and zip line ride.
- Scranton Ghost Walk, Court House Square, ☏ +1 570 383-1821. Daily 8PM by reservation. 90-minute scenic walk of Scranton's historic district, the most scenic and most haunted part of the city. They even go into a landmark historic building for a short time that is certified haunted by several paranormal groups.
- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. AAA baseball, PNC Field, Moosic. The highest level minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees. Home games from April through September. Check website for tickets and dates.
- 1 Scranton Cultural Center, 200 N Washington Ave, Courthouse Sq, ☏ +1 570-344-1111. Completed in 1930, this dramatic structure was built as a Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral. Today, it hosts social functions, corporate meetings, cultural events, and theater performances. Tours are available.
- Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons, Inc., R.R.#1 Box 95, Dalton. Enjoy a spectacular champagne hot air balloon flight over scenic Northeastern Pennsylvania. Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons invites you to experience the exciting sport of hot air ballooning. Also offering tethers and commercial promotions.
- Psychic Theater's Hauntedǃ Mysteries of THE Beyond., 1433 N Main Ave, ☏ +1 570 383-9297. Saturday evenings and other evenings as scheduled. Reservations required.. Picked by The Pennsylvania Department of Tourism as One of the Most Haunted Places in the State. A psychic paranormal evening ending with a seance in the dark. ̩$35.00.
- Toyota Amphitheater, 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, ☏ +1 570 961-9000. This location used to be the Montage Mountain Amphitheater, a temporary structure designed to hold small concerts. In 1999, Lackawanna County built a permanent amphitheater next to the Montage Mountain Ski Resort (now Sno Mountain). This concert venue has seating for 7,000 people covered under the pavilion roof, in addition to room for another 10,500 on the lawn (a large grassy hill behind the pavilion). In 2002, The Montage Mountain Amphitheater was purchased from the county by Clear Channel Communications and the name of the venue changed to the Ford Pavilion. In 2006 the amphitheater changed ownership again, leaving Clear Channel behind and merging with Live Nation. The name of the venue changed yet again, becoming known as the Toyota Pavilion. On February 15, 2007, the tent roof of the pavilion collapsed. This occurred because of the weight of snow and ice from the previous day's blizzard. A new roof was completed in time for the summer 2007 concert season. The concert venue has hosted many large acts such as Dave Matthews Band, The Dead, REO Speedwagon, Kanye West, Rush, Meatloaf, the Vans Warp tour, The Allman Brothers Band, Sammy Hagar, Def Leopard, and many more.
- Cinemark Theatres, 40 Glenmaura Blvd, toll-free: +1-800-326-3264 ext 1133. A large movie theater right outside of Scranton. It has 20 different movie theaters in which they run new released movies day and night. Theaters vary in size from large to small scale. It's said to be the best seat in town!
Buy
[edit]- 1 The Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Ave. Anchored by Boscov's and The Bon-Ton department stores.
- 2 The Viewmont Mall. Business Rt. 6 in Dickson City. Anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears department stores.
- Dozens of small specialty shops throughout Central City: musical instruments, records, army/navy apparel, model trains (i.e Scranton Hobby Center), comics, day spa services...
- Keyser Oak Center, 1762 N Keyser Ave. Anchored by Gerrity's supermarket and Ollie's Bargain Outlet. Other stores are, Hallmark, Thompson Title and Tags, A liquor store, Dollar General, Hollywood Video and several other store fronts.
- Green Ridge Plaza, 1600 Nay Aug Ave. Anchored by Giant supermarket and A.J. Wright discount clothing, Buona Pizza, Fashinon Bug, a liquor store, a Chinese Buffet.
- 3 The Shoppes At Montage, 1035 Shoppes Blvd, Moosic (off Interstate 81 Exit 282 or Exit 282-A depending on the direction), ☏ +1 570 341-3271. There are 64 retail store fronts in the outside complex. A few of the major retails stores are: Ann Taylor Loft, J. Jill, Talbots, Chicos, Coldwater Ceek, Eddie Bauer, GAP, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, New York & Co., Limited Too, Lane Bryant, Aeropostale, Guitar Center, DSW Shoes.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Cooper's Seafood House, 701 N Washington Ave, ☏ +1 570 346-6883. M-Th 11AM-midnight, F-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su noon-midnight. Seafood fare. Extremely large selection of specialty beers (~15 on tap, over 200 bottles). A local landmark, Cooper Seafood House has been owned and operated by the Cooper family since 1948. The building used to be the passenger station of the Erie - Lackawanna Train Station. Over the years the exterior of the building has been remodeled to resemble a full-sized pirate ship. Cooper's houses the ship's pub, the lighthouse bar (most recent addition consisting of a giant lighthouse that extends upwards off the side of the building), the tiki bar deck, the whale room, the train room and the private coral room.
- 2 Pizza by Pappas, 303 N Washington Ave, ☏ +1 570 346-2290. 10" specialty pizza, hoagies, pierogies, etc. $5-10.
- 3 Vince the Pizza Prince, 600 Pittston Ave, ☏ +1 570 347-0675. Closed Monday and Tuesday. One of Scranton's best pizzas, since 1955.
- 4 Osaka Restaurant, 244 Adams St, ☏ +1 570 341-9600. Japanese cuisine. Watch them prepare your food from the bar or have it served right to your table. Good sushi, half off on Sundays 1-9 PM.
- Glider Diner, 890 Providence Rd, ☏ +1 570 343-8036. M-Th 6AM-10PM, F-Sa 6AM-3AM, Su 7AM-7PM. Burgers, fries, shakes, all good. Also offers catering services.
- 5 Coney Island of Scranton, 100 Cedar Ave, ☏ +1 570 961-8288. The restaurant has been operating since 1923, when it was owned by Steve Karampilas. Over the years it has changed owners, but is still reputed to make the best Texas wieners in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They consist of a soft national roll, hotdog, spicy mustard, raw onions, and their own Coney Island sauce.
- Nickie's Fabulous Hoagies, 1309 Swetland St, ☏ +1 570 961-9061. This little "mom and pop" store has little aesthetic appeal from the inside or outside but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in taste. Takeout only, hoagies and pizza.
- Kelly's Pub & Eatery, 1802 Cedar Ave, ☏ +1 570 346-9758. Kelly's is best known for their wings and accompanying sauce. They have a $0.25 wing night on Wednesdays. Make sure you make reservations or go early because it is very popular, especially on Wednesday nights.
- Buona Pizza, 504 Lackawanna Ave, ☏ +1 570 342-4032. Offers a variety of pizzeria-style food, but your best bet is sticking with the pizza. Their large trays are enormous, the pizza is delicious, but if you do not like greasy food then shy away from Buona Pizza.
- 6 Granteed's Pizza, 817 Mulberry Street (in the heart of the University of Scranton's campus), ☏ +1 570-343-0101. Classic pizza shop serving the community for over 50 years. Stop in for a pizza, hoagie, stromboli or calzone.
Drink
[edit]Being a college town it is not hard to find places to drink. Just walking around the Hill Section of town on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night you can find countless parties. Drink until the Keg is Kicked for $5.
Refer to the Electric City, the Scranton area's free entertainment weekly, for plenty of advertisements, listings, and reviews of nightlife.
- Cooper's Crab Shack, 701 N Washington Ave. Local Tiki style bar with tropical music and cold drinks. The crab shack consists of four levels of outdoor decks. Live entertainment and no cover.
- The Bog, 341 Adams Ave. Small pub reminiscent of New York's East Village dive bars. Local music on many nights. $1.75 - $4 beers. Some specialty bottled beers available. Excellent jukebox.
- Northern Lights, 536 Spruce St. For those interested in coffee. Plenty of couches/chairs & free high-speed internet.
- Zummo's Cafe, 920 Marion St, ☏ +1 570 344-2715. Serves Electric City Roasting Company coffee. Owned and operated by Mary Tellie, a certified Q Grader and nationally recognized roaster.
- 1 The Backyard Ale House, 523 Linden St, ☏ +1 570 955-0192. Has a spacious interior with a large bar. In warm weather, opens a quaint patio behind that bar with tables, chairs, decorations, and two outside bars.
- 2 Whiskey Dick's, 308 N Washington Ave, ☏ +1 570 342-9824. Cozy, little bar in Downtown Scranton. Cheapest everyday prices. Knowledgeable, courteous bartenders. 60+ beers, very large liquor selection.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, 700 Lackawanna Ave, ☏ +1 570 342-8300, rhi_scra@radisson.com. Housed in a neo-classical train station built in 1908. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton, a six-story historic landmark. The historic building once served as a passenger train station, has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel has 145 rooms and suites, three restaurants in the hotel, gift shop, valet parking and exercise rooms. The hotel is in downtown Scranton, within walking distance to many retail stores, restaurants and bars..
- 2 Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave, ☏ +1 570 343-3000. Nearby Steamtown Historic Site.
- 3 Courtyard Scranton Wilkes-Barre, 16 Glenmaura National Blvd, Moosic, ☏ +1 570-969-2100.
- 4 The Colonnade, 401 Jefferson Ave, ☏ +1 570-342-6114. Until 2006 the Colonnade was an eyesore, an abandoned building on the corner of Mullberry St. and Jefferson Ave. The building had been owned by a prominent local businessman, Col. Austin Blair. It was close to being condemned when it was purchased by Paul Blackledge and Joshua Mast with the intent of renovating the old building. Paul and Joshua turned the giant rundown building into a hotel/event space. The Colonnade can accommodate 120 guests in its banquet room and another additional 80 guests on a tent-covered outside patio.
Go next
[edit]- Lackawanna State Park is approximately 15 minutes away from Scranton in Lackwanna County. The park has facilities for camping, boating, canoe/kayak rental, a swimming pool, and walking/hiking trails. Most facilities are open April through October, check website for specifics.
- The Dietrich Theater, Bus. Rt. 6 Tunkhannock, +1 570 836-1022. Offers first run, foreign, independent, & classic films in a restored theater. Fall/Spring Film Festivals and cultural classes on site. Check website for movie times. Approximately 30 minutes from Scranton on Rt. 6. "More Than the Movies!"
- Sno Mountain[dead link], 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, +1 570 969-7854. Once known as Montage Mountain, Sno Mountain offers a wide range of winter and off season attractions and activities. Ski, snowboard, zip ride, tubing, golf, batting cages, water slides, and a Lazy River (being constructed) in addition to other fun and family friendly attractions. Average ticket prices, check out the web page for group rates and special deals.
- McDade Park is off Snake Road in West Scranton. The land was reclaimed by the city in the 1970s from the Lackawanna coal mining terrain. It has become one of the city’s top leisure destinations offering many different types of activities for visitors to enjoy. McDade Park has a fishing pond (stocked regularly), an Olympic size swimming pool with bath houses, basketball and tennis courts, two baseball fields, a pavilion, playgrounds, outdoor picnic areas with charcoal grills, open fields and rolling hills and a 1.8-mile cross-county ski or walking trail, The Lackawanna Coal Mining Tour and the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum. McDade Park is spread out over 200 acres of land, with free admission to outdoor enthusiasts and visitors. For more information about McDade Park please call +1 570 963-6764.
| Routes through Scranton |
Binghamton ← Jct   ← Dunmore ← |
N  S |
→ Wilkes-Barre → Harrisburg |
Ends at  ← Clarks Summit ← |
N  S |
→ Wilkes-Barre → Allentown |
| Mansfield ← Clarks Summit ← | W  E |
→ Dunmore → Carbondale |